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Last Of 'Bell 8' Released From Jail

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The last figure jailed in the Bell corruption case has been freed.

Victor Bello's attorney says the former mayor was released from Los Angeles County jail shortly before 4 a.m. Wednesday.

Bello had been jailed since Sept. 21. A judge last month reduced his bail from $190,000 to $100,000.

Attorney Leo J. Moriarty says that allowed Bello's son-in-law to obtain bail on more favorable terms.

Bello is one of eight current and former Bell officials accused of looting the LA suburb out of $5.5 million by getting enormous salaries.

On Tuesday, voters recalled four City Council members and refused to re-elect the fifth.

Bello is scheduled for arraignment on March 18. His lawyer says Bello will waive his right to a speedy trial so he can spend more time preparing his defense.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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